I know a few people have converted. This article although not truck camper specific warns of the dangers of unsupervised Lithium-Ion charging.https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Conception-boat-fire-Coast-Guard-warns-mariners-14432894.php

with my pop up blocker -the site requires subscription :SI used that service few times years ago. But at the time we did not have underwater scooters.Sad story as I consider that one of the best scuba experience in the World. It beats Bahama experience.Still the battery fire is a speculation. There is lot of equipment on those boats, including 6 foot wide charcoal barbecue.

There is no evidence that lithium batteries caused or were a part of that fire. What a bad headline. The actual bulletin referenced did, however, focus on a major issue, lack of exit routes. Incredibly sad story, can you imagine being blocked in below deck on a boat during a fire?It very well may have been battery related, but no one knows. If so, seems much more likely to be a house battery and wiring issue than a customers plugged in device.

The article doesn't mention lithium battery chemistries although the types of equipment used would indicate they are not LifePO4 which is heavy and bulky compared to other lithium batteries commonly found in the types of electronics described in the article.The chemistry used in the RV industry is typically Lithium iron phosphate which is very stable and has a very low risk of fire. Between lithium battery chemistries there are different levels of safety and handling perimeters. I also noted in MSIB linked in the OP article regarding this fire:"Reduce potential fire hazards and consider limiting the unsupervised charging of lithium-ion batteries and extensive use of power strips and extension cords :h Always a good idea. Many lithium batteries have a high charging rate and power consumption to do so. I could see where several high draw devices plugged into an undersized extension cord could definitely heat things up. Here is a short article on 5 common lithium battery types.http://synergyfiles.com/2015/09/5-types-of-lithium-ion-batteries/Lithium batteries are now a mainstay in the RV industry. Many manufacturers offering lithium solutions right from the factory. I have yet to hear of any causing a fire but again the chemistry used in these batteries are pretty bullet proof in terms of catching fire.

I'll stick with my conventional flooded cell and AGM batteries thank you. If the hybrid ones ever get in line price wise with conventional batteries, I may try them. Until then, no way.

camperdave wrote:There is no evidence that lithium batteries caused or were a part of that fire. What a bad headline.Very true !work2much wrote:The article doesn't mention lithium battery chemistries although the types of equipment used would indicate they are not LifePO4 which is heavy and bulky compared to other lithium batteries commonly found in the types of electronics described in the article.The chemistry used in the RV industry is typically Lithium iron phosphate which is very stable and has a very low risk of fire. Between lithium battery chemistries there are different levels of safety and handling perimeters.Some DIYers are building "power walls" out of used lithium cobalt (the most common lithium battery chemistry because of it high power to weight ratio 18650 battery cells because they can get them cheap. Cell quality, charging and discharging rates, balancing and temperature monitoring are CRITICAL in these applications. I would stay away from these except in small sizes, (cell phones, laptops and power tools).

Converted to Lithium-Ion be careful. | Good Sam Community

c_traveler2
Nomad
Sep 14, 2019
Print one subjective article about lithium batteries and people run amok. My brother has lived in Ventura since the early 70's and know's many divers and fishermen that have been on the Conception over the years, none of them who knew that boat wouldn't sleep below deck, they called the berths below "coffin bunks", no way to get out in case of a fire.

Since they just got the remains of the boat on dry land maybe they might be able to find the cause or not,anything else is pure speculation!
markchengr
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2019
I just sent back a jump starter with a lithium iron phosphate battery. It was useless to me as I wanted a 12 volt power supply for inflating rafts at a launch site and it was designed only to jump start a dead battery. UPS required a sticker on the package that said in big red letters "Danger Contains Lithium Battery. Do Not Ship By Air". I guess they're not taking any chances.
3_tons
Explorer III
Sep 14, 2019
By design LiFePo4 has a relatively benign chemistry, via less energy density...
phemens
Explorer
Sep 13, 2019
Thanks for the link, interesting point on reconditioning.
cewillis
Explorer
Sep 13, 2019
work2much wrote:

Here is a short article on 5 common lithium battery types.
http://synergyfiles.com/2015/09/5-types-of-lithium-ion-batteries/

Thanks for the link. Good to know.
Photomike
Explorer III
Sep 13, 2019
jaycocreek wrote:
I have never understood the new RV internet standards,especially for batteries that don't really last any longer than the inexpensive ones..I just sold a 2010 travel trailer with the 7 year old group 27 batteries that came with it.They still held a charge well and only cost about $100 to replace if needed...

As for the Lithium batteries and fires,one word Samsung...

Not knocking those that choose to buy expensive batteries for there RV,I just don't see the benefit myself for my needs.

I think a lot is that people want to play or experiment with ideas. They are not necessarily better ideas they are just different. I read a lot about needing smart charging systems, special meters and batteries and so much is just people's opinions.

I remember my Dad would buy an old car battery from the wreckers, toss it in his VW van and it would run for years powering his lights, fan, etc. If he did something stupid like forgot a light was on and killed the battery he would head back to the wreckers and grab another. Cost $20.

Today we put $1000 in with controllers, batteries, etc and we still kill the battery from doing something stupid.
RickW
Explorer III
Sep 13, 2019
1. I used to dive a lot and did underwater photography for many years. Back then, photographers were few and cameras expensive.

2. In order to get good underwater photographs, you need lots and lots of light. My flashes used over a pound of NiCad batteries. I would regularly have 3 large chargers plugged in at a time. It was only flashlights and cameras charging back then. Now, everyone has things to charge, especially overnight.

3. The most contested real estate on a live aboard dive boat is the outlet(s) and table where you charge things. Divers pack an extra power strip to be sure there are enough plug ins for their personal needs. A few outlets and lots of chained power strips.

4. I reserve judgement on the cause, but a battery fire is a real possibility, especially if someone had a home made or cheaply made Li battery pack for an underwater scooter, drone, video or flash system.

FYI I was aboard one of the three boats of this company in the 80's. It was hard enough to get out of the bunk area at mealtime, I cannot imagine efficient egress in an emergency. My thoughts and prayers for the victims and their family.

I can see new regs coming that require Li batteries brought onboard be charged in a fireproof container. There also may be a certification for batteries that have a "fireproof" battery management system. We may learn what Li system is most appropriate for your TC.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Sep 13, 2019
camperdave wrote:
SidecarFlip wrote:
I'll stick with my conventional flooded cell and AGM batteries thank you. If the hybrid ones ever get in line price wise with conventional batteries, I may try them. Until then, no way.

Can you imagine using flooded lead acid batteries in your cell phone? lol.

I don't have a cell phone.....:W
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2019
work2much wrote:
They are pretty idiot proof.

Is there such a thing?
work2much
Explorer
Sep 13, 2019
All of the consumer grade drop in lithium batteries on the market today have a BMS that controls temperatures, voltages, cell balancing and short circuit protection. They are pretty idiot proof.